Wellness

Edible Intelligence with Standard Process and MediHerb Mushrooms

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Kim

Mushrooms: Powerful Medicinal Reservoirs for Boosting Immunity

Mushrooms can be deep reservoirs of powerful medicines. The fact that some mushrooms can feed you, some can heal you, some can kill you, and some can send you on a spiritual journey speaks of the full spectrum of their chemical variety. The mycelium, from which they develop, can live for many hundreds of years. The largest known organism on Earth is a mycelial mat of a honey mushroom in eastern Oregon- more than 2000 years old.

“Mushrooms produce a lot of interesting chemical compounds that could be defensive, and that might be useful for fending off bacteria and other bodily invaders that make us sick. Fungi produce some of our most important drugs. Penicillin and cholesterol-lowering statins were derived from fungi” says David Hibbett, PhD., a mycologist and professor of biology at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Paul Stamets mycologist and medical researcher points out that biodiversity is biosecurity and mycelium has its own immune system. Mushrooms are prebiotic, boosting the microbiome’s beneficial bacteria, and improving digestion and overall health. Recent independent research shows that certain varieties of mushrooms are also our best dietary sources for potent antioxidants, such as sulfur-rich ergothioneine and glutathione. A diet rich in antioxidants such as these is known to help the body withstand normal oxidative stress that damages healthy cells. In addition to boosting longevity, mushrooms pack a serious nutritional punch, providing a great source of vitamin D, essential for strong immune system function. 

In lieu of the absence of Standard Process Epimune, I’d highly recommend MediHerb Ganoderma Shiitake. When Epimune is back (April 22), I’d highly recommend taking them together. Here’s why:

MediHerb Ganoderma/Shiitake: Being smart about your mushroom choices!

When I first started researching this product, I wondered why it was called Ganoderma rather than the more common name, Reishi. It’s to set it apart from 75% of products that claim to be Reishi, but cannot verify their preparation with DNA sequencing like MediHerb can! Ganoderma lucidum contains more than 400 active constituents that act like miniature pharmaceutical factories that can produce hundreds of medicinally-interactive compounds. Today, Ganoderma Lucidium stands out as one the most valuable of all polypore mushrooms in nature for the benefit of our health. Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality, Ganoderma appears to possess a wider range of therapeutic properties than any other health supporting mushroom known. In a chart by Paul Stamets, Ganoderma lucidum extract is listed as therapeutic in 16 out of 17 areas of health. Wow!!

Ganoderma extract (equivalent to 81 g/day of mushroom) has proven to be significantly superior to placebo for reducing physical and mental exhaustion in a randomized, double-blind trial of patients with neurasthenia, MH Ganoderma Shiitake contains 6.6 grams per tablet.

A combination of Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushroom extracts may synergistically stimulate immune cells responses, says a new study from Australia. Clinical findings included improved gut immunity due to increased Sig A, reduction of C reactive protein which in turn lowered inflammation, increased interleukin 2, 4, 6 and interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF a).

For a detailed discussion highlighting the studies being done in conjunction with MediHerb (Integria), please refer to: Synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages of a medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake

Smart Tip:

Always cook mushrooms to get their immune-boosting benefits. Cooking also destroys any toxins that may be present in edible mushrooms such as shiitake and morels.

MUSHROOMS IN THE STANDARD PROCESS AND MEDIHERB LINE: Please note: All of our mushrooms also contain mycelium. Whenever you see mushroom powder listed as an ingredient, it’s a 50/50 blend of certified organic Shiitake / Reishi. Medi herb mushroom extracts are hot water extracted. Standard Process Epimune contains both Turkey Tail and Maitake gold mushrooms. Cellular Vitality contains Shiitake / Reishi and American Ginseng root. Other SP products that contain mushrooms are Catalyn, Cataplex AC, ACP, C and Collagen C.

Mushrooms possess a wide range of medicinal properties and offer numerous health benefits. From boosting the immune system to providing potent antioxidants, mushrooms have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential. Standard Process and MediHerb offer a variety of mushroom-based products, such as Ganoderma Shiitake, that can support overall health and well-being. Remember to cook mushrooms before consuming them to fully unlock their immune-boosting properties. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay healthy and enjoy the incredible benefits of edible intelligence,

Kim

References:

Written by Kim Sperry on Apr 3, 2020 in

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Be advised that any nutritional program suggested is not intended as a treatment for any disease. The intent of any nutritional recommendation is to support the physiological and biochemical processes of the human body, and not to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease or condition. Always work with a qualified medical professional before making changes to your diet, prescription medication, lifestyle, or exercise activities.

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